Jones downplays defensive draft needs

With the Cowboys transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive scheme under new coordinator Monte Kiffin this season, many analysts expect them to select either a defensive tackle or a safety in the first round. But Jerry Jones, in what could be a classic misdirection ploy, suggested Monday that such thinking could be off base.

“The good news is we really are in good shape over on the defensive side of the ball where that scheme is,” Jones said.

That’s hard to believe, though, considering the safeties on the roster all have issues, including Barry Church, who was limited to three starts last year because of a season-ending torn Achilles.

But Jones said Kiffin’s scheme will call on the corners – Claiborne and Brandon Carr – to make up for any deficiencies at safety.

“This is not a traditional (Cover 2 scheme), so we really feel great that our corners are going to be a big impact on what (Kiffin) does in the secondary,” Jones said.